Ronald Koeman confirms Ron Vlaar interest

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has identified Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar as his top transfer target to replace Dejan Lovren should he exit the club.

The Croatia international has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer and has outlined his desire to leave the Saints.

The 51-year-old will consider a swoop for the Villa skipper if Lovren does leave St Mary's for Anfield in the next six weeks, but is wary of how costly the transfer fee could be to land the 29-year-old.

Koeman is quoted as saying by The Mirror: "Yes, Ron is a serious option – but he's an expensive one."

Vlaar is in the final year of his contract with Paul Lambert's side.